Writing in MLA style means adhering to specific guidelines.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources for subjects such as liberal arts and the humanities, according to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab. MLA style has a series of guidelines and usage rules for formatting papers. It also provides writers with guidelines for referencing sources. For a detailed description of MLA style guidelines, pick up a copy of "MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing."
Instructions
Body of Paper
1. Format your paper. MLA papers should adhere to certain formatting guidelines. Set your font to 12-point Times New Roman by clicking on "Format," "Font" and then selecting your font type and size. Make sure your page margins are only one inch on all sides by selecting "Format," "Page Setup" then resetting the margin size. Format your paragraphs so they are double spaced by selecting "Format," "Page Setup" then changing the spacing option.
2. Write your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date in the upper left-hand corner of the first page.
3. Create a header in the upper right-hand corner with your last name, a space and the page number by clicking on "View," "Headers and Footers" then typing in your text. For example, "Smith 1."
4. Add the title block. Make sure your title is centered and two spaces below the date.
5. Write the content of your paper or essay. Check that all copy is double spaced, that you are indenting the first line of each new paragraph 1/2-inch and that you are leaving only a single space after each period.
Sources
6. If you quote or paraphrase a specific portion of a text from a source or provide a specific statistic, provide a parenthetical citation that includes the author's last name and the page number. For example, (Smith, pg. 107). If you use a quote that consists of more than three lines of text, you need to use a block quotation. To do this, indent the lines of quoted text one inch from both the right and left margins.
7. References your sources. MLA has specific guidelines for referencing. First, create a separate "References" or "Works Cited" page.
8. To cite an article, use the following format: Name of Author. "Title of Article." Title of Periodical. [Publication Info]: Pages.
9. To cite a book, use the following format: Name of Author. Title of Book. [Name of editor, translator or compiler.] [Edition.] Location: Publisher, Year. [Page number.]
10. To cite a web page, use the following format: Name of Author. "Title of Web Page." [Name of Webmaster or Editor.] [Print Source] [Title of Web Collection.] [Description] [Date of Electronic Publication or Last Update] [Database Name] [[number of paragraphs] or [number of pages]] [Sponsoring Institution] [Date Accessed] .
